News I

"It was her decision, Teddy." Marilyn stopped what she was doing and shot him a tight gaze. All that time, she'd been rearranging the throw pillows properly on the couch. "Just so you know, I could never force her to do something, and then she told me — convinced me what she needed more was sleep and not a bite."

"She declined food, is what you're saying? And you just let her?!!" Ted didn't even bother looking at his stepmom a second time now. In a heartbeat, he was suddenly out of her way and headed for the stairs.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Marilyn said gingerly. He turned to her. "Cut her some slack will you? She's probably had the most stressful day today."

"All the more reason you shouldn't have encouraged her to starve to bed."

"If she needs her rest, let her have it. I honestly don't know what to do with all the men in this house."

"I am not Howard."

"Your father, you mean," Marilyn offered.